The shop may ask you to provide proof of purchase. If you haven’t held on to your receipt, you could use a copy of a credit or debit card statement.

EU HAVE RIGHTS ONLINE: If you buy online from an EU-based site, you can cancel and get a refund during the 14-day cooling off period.

This clock only starts ticking on the day you receive your order. You can cancel for any reason, although you may be expected to pay the cost of returning the goods.

RETURNING FAULTY/WRONG GOODS ONLINE: When a product you’ve purchased online turns out to be faulty, or isn’t what you ordered, you’re entitled to a full refund or replacement. Email the business and ask for whichever option you prefer.

Make sure to research the websites you use to online shop, read reviews and take friends' recommendations

DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE COMMITTING: Don’t order from an unfamiliar website without first checking it out. Look online for customer feedback and reviews and take pals’ recommendations.

If you’re not sure if the site is selling genuine products, go to the product site and check its list of authorised sellers. Stick to secure methods of payment such as debit or credit cards, or Paypal.

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Never send cash or use a money-wiring service as you will have no protection if the transaction goes wrong.

BE CLUED IN ON EXCLUSIONS: While the 14-day cooling off period offers great protection for consumers, it’s not valid on certain purchases such as hotel bookings, car rental and airline/train tickets.

It also doesn’t apply to bespoke purchases such as personalised gifts or unsealed computer software.